Professional Curiosity: Reflections from the ICF Early Career Professionals Study Tour 2026
Tristan Haynes, Field Manager (Cheshire to Lancashire) for the Forestry Commission’s North West & West Midlands Area Team, reflects on two days of learning, fresh perspectives and new connections at the recent Early Career Professionals Study Tour in Wales. Whilst I have now attended a couple of excellent face-to-face ICF events previously, I had never […]
ICF to present member views on Scottish Forestry reform to Cabinet Secretary
On Tuesday 6 October, the Institute of Chartered Foresters will join colleagues from Confor and Woodland Trust Scotland in a meeting with Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, to discuss the Scottish Government’s proposals for public body reform and the potential future of Scottish Forestry. Ahead of the meeting, ICF sought […]
Forestry organisations seek assurances over future of Scottish Forestry
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), Woodland Trust Scotland and the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor) have written jointly to Scottish Government ministers seeking urgent discussions and assurances over the future of Scottish Forestry. The letter follows the publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026–2031, which includes proposals to bring several national environmental […]
New Executive Director for Scotland’s Finest Woods
Nick Drainey has been appointed Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, responsible for running the prestigious annual Awards programme. Having already been involved in the charity’s work in a PR and marketing capacity, Nick is well qualified to take on the prestigious annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, championing all aspects of woodland and forest management, […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods welcomes three new trustees
Scotland’s Finest Woods has strengthened its team of woodland champions with the appointment of three new trustees, bringing fresh expertise and support to the charity’s work across the country. Neil Crookston MICFor, currently Head of Estate & Programmes (Scotland) at The Woodland Trust, Sam Malpass, Director of Policy & Practice at Scottish Forestry and Michael […]
New programme opens to support Forestry Works Managers achieve recognised qualifications
A new programme has launched to support forestry professionals across England to achieve a recognised qualification through an innovative experienced worker route. A trial of the programme, funded by the Forestry Commission and supported by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA), will enable a group of experienced individuals to […]
Helping shape a more constructive approach to engagement in forestry
The Institute is proud to have contributed to the development of the new document Guidelines for Respectful and Constructive Engagement in Forestry Management (Scotland), published by Confor. These guidelines were developed collaboratively with partners from across the forestry sector, including Scottish Forestry, Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Woodlands, Tilhill Forestry and the Scottish Land Commission. […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards celebrate the power of trees at schools and nurseries
From protecting urban woodlands to transforming storm-damaged trees into learning opportunities, this year’s Schools and Early Years winners at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026 have been announced. Demonstrating excellence in outdoor learning, the projects gave opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and thrive outdoors. Combining woodland learning, biodiversity action and local […]
NRW graduate programme accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has achieved accreditation from the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) for its Forestry and Land Management Graduate Programme, marking an important milestone in the development of the next generation of forestry professionals. The accreditation recognises the quality of NRW’s structured graduate development programme – successful completion offers graduates two additional Professional Membership Entry (PME) qualifying points, […]
Tom Jenkins MBE FICFor (1959–2026)
The Institute of Chartered Foresters was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Tom Jenkins MBE FICFor, a long‑standing member whose commitment both to professional standards and the ICF spanned more than thirty years. Tom gave sustained and thoughtful service to the Institute throughout his career. Most notably, he served for 16 years on […]
Richard Stanford CB MBE achieves Professional membership of the ICF
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce that Richard Stanford CB MBE, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has been promoted to Professional Member status, acknowledging his significant contribution to the forestry sector and his continued dedication to advancing sustainable forestry policy and practice across the UK. Richard Stanford CB MBE joined the […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026 – entries open!
Entries are now open for all categories of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026, and it has never been easier to submit a superb example of excellence in woodlands and forestry. With a new website and easy to use online entry forms it could not be simpler to have your work championed on the national stage. […]
Tom Coates MICFor announced as Professional Forester of the Year 2026
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce that Tom Coates MICFor, Area Supply Manager at James Jones & Sons, has been awarded Professional Forester of the Year 2026. Presented on 12 March at the Confor Dinner & Awards 2026, the prestigious award recognises contributions to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, […]
Shortlist announced for Professional Forester of the Year 2026
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce the three shortlisted candidates for Professional Forester of the Year 2026, the prestigious award that recognises outstanding service to the profession and the sector. This award recognises the contributions made by Chartered Arboriculturists or Chartered Foresters to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, national […]
ICF launches new mentoring programme
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has launched an exciting new pilot mentoring programme designed to connect early-career foresters and arboriculturists with some of the most experienced professionals in the sector. The initiative creates space for meaningful knowledge exchange, giving emerging professionals the opportunity to learn and benefit directly from those who have honed their […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards returns for 2026 – are you a growing success story?
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is once again celebrating excellence in woodlands and forestry across the country, with youngsters leading the way. Entries have opened for the Schools and Early Years categories in the 2026 Awards, with a deadline of March 31. Entering is straightforward and can be done via the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards website […]
Call for Expert Committee on Forest Science members
The Board of Forestry Commissioners established the Expert Committee on Forest Science (ECFS) to provide independent, expert advice and assurance on the quality of science and evidence provided by the Forestry Commission’s (FC) research agency Forest Research (FR) and other providers. As a committee member there is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the […]
Institute welcomes newest Chartered members
We are delighted to recognise and celebrate the professionals who have successfully completed the Professional Membership Entry (PME) process in 2025. Achieving chartered status is a significant professional milestone, reflecting not only technical competence and experience, but also a strong commitment to professionalism, ethical practice and continuing development within forestry and arboriculture. The PME process […]
Celebrating excellence at Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025
A school which has taken lessons on climate change out of the classroom and into the real world, and a project using trees to stop a notorious flooding problem are among the champions honoured at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards. When you add in a project to plant free nut and fruit trees in […]
Institute highlights of 2025
As we approach the end of 2025, take a look at some highlights from the Institute of Chartered Foresters’ centenary year. Celebrating 100 years 300+ attend the Centenary National Conference in Edinburgh Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future In spring 2025, we published the Centenary Issue of TREES. This edition included an article from Professor […]
New resilience strategy launched by Forestry England
Forestry England today (10 November 2026) launched a new strategy and action plan that will protect the nation’s forests against the multiple threats they face. Three key principles of assessing, diversifying and restoring will guide foresters across the organisation so the 1,500 forests and woodlands in their care are fit for the future. As the […]
SocEnv reacts to UK carbon budget and growth delivery plan
The UK Government published a new Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan on 29 November, featuring details on how the country will deliver emissions reductions up to the year 2037, how the government meets its statutory carbon budgets and secures the benefits of this transition for people and businesses. Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv, Chief Executive […]
ICF launches ‘UKFS for Non-Foresters’ online course to widen understanding of sustainable forest management
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has launched a new online training course designed to bring the best practice principles of the UK Forestry Standard to non-foresters. The course is based on the technical standard for sustainable forestry in the UK, which is not widely known or accessed outside of the forestry sector – and […]
Forest Research Chief Scientist appointed Honorary Professor of Bangor University
Bianca Ambrose-Oji, Chief Scientist at Forest Research, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor by Bangor University. This prestigious title has been awarded in recognition of Professor Ambrose-Oji’s major achievements during her academic and research career, which includes her previous role as a researcher and lecturer at Bangor University. Professor Ambrose-Oji’s career in forestry spans […]
Third version of the Woodland Carbon Code launched
A new version of the Woodland Carbon Code – the UK’s quality assurance standard for woodland carbon projects – launched on Friday 1 August 2025. Version 3 incorporates insights from recent research and consultation feedback and aligns with national and international frameworks. The changes are designed to make the Woodland Carbon Code more accessible, practical […]
Institute signs joint statement on Local Nature Recovery Strategies
We recently published a joint statement with Confor and the Royal Forestry Society in support of the development and implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) across England, but these LNRS must be developed with a strong foundation in professional forestry expertise, evidence-based standards and collaborative engagement. Please see this statement below. Forestry advice for […]
Public opinion of forestry survey results published
Forest Research have today (Thursday 10 July) released the results of the Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2025 for England and the UK, Scotland and Wales. The survey is carried out biennially, canvassing public attitudes to forestry and forestry-related issues. Welcoming the findings, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon commented: “It is really promising to see that […]
Have your say in the British Woodlands Survey 2025
Woodland resilience is perhaps the most important concern for everyone who manages trees and woodlands. It underpins all aspects of management and ultimately affects how trees and habitats will thrive in future. Changes in our environment, whether caused by humans or natural ecological processes, are impacting Britain’s trees and forests with increasing frequency and severity. […]
Forest learning at schools and nurseries shines at Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025
The transformation of a wood near a primary school and learning in a local forest saw success in the Schools and Early Years categories at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025. Hardgate Primary School in Haugh of Urr, near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, was the winner of the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy. […]
Building the future forestry workforce
With the UK Government’s ambitious target to increase tree and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050, the demand for skilled professionals in forestry has never been greater. A Forestry Sector Skills Plan (2025–2035) has been published that sets out the current barriers and challenges, presenting a comprehensive long-term agenda for change. This plan […]
Geraint Richards MVO FICFor awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Geraint Richards MVO FICFor, Head Forester to the Duchy of Cornwall and Past President of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), has been awarded an OBE for services to the Forestry Sector in The King’s Birthday Honours announced on 14 June 2025. Throughout Geraint’s tenure as President of the ICF, he has overseen the delivery […]
Institute signs letter urging for VAT removal on sunscreen for outdoor workers
A coalition of leading horticulture and landscape industry organisations has today announced the submission of a joint letter to the UK Government, calling for the removal of VAT on SPF 30+ sunscreen. The letter follows a revealing survey by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) and Plant Network, highlighting the alarming rates of skin cancer […]
New chair at Scotland’s Finest Woods to champion people, passion, innovation and success
Scotland’s Finest Woods is pleased to announce that Wilma Harper MBE FICFor CEnv has been selected as its new chair. A Chartered Forester and Chartered Environmentalist, Wilma has been a trustee of Scotland’s Finest Woods since June 2017 and replaces Guy Watt FICFor who has been a Trustee since 2009 and served as chair for […]
New data on skin cancer in the horticulture workforce
Please see below a press release from the Chartered Institute of Horticulture that was published in May 2025. 12% of survey respondents had been diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, according to a survey performed by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and Plant Network looking at awareness of skin cancer and attitudes to […]
Prestigious awards presented at ICF Centenary National Conference 2025
The Institute of Chartered Foresters’ (ICF) Centenary National Conference 2025: Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future took place in Edinburgh on 29 & 30 April, with several highly prestigious ICF awards being presented to well-deserving, long-serving members who have played vitally important roles in shaping both the Institute and the sector. The awards were presented […]
40 years of championing a key national resource – Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is marking 40 years of celebrating all that is great about the country’s woodlands and forests. The Awards celebrate the people involved across all types of Scotland’s woodlands who through their dedication make them the finest examples of a key national natural resource. The Awards started at a time when many […]